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Offered languages
- English
The tour starts on the MIT campus, where you will follow your guide to learn about the school's history, famous pranks, inventions, and much more! Your tour guide will show you buildings designed by world-famous architects, dormitories home to hilarious MIT "hacks", and stunning views of Boston from across the river!
After MIT, your tour guide will take you to Harvard using the subway system. Your subway fare is included in the cost of the tour.
Learn the history of Harvard University, the oldest college in the country. See the "Statue of the Three Lies", deceiving visitors for almost 150 years. Learn about Harvard's academic legacy, as well as some rather whimsical traditions practiced by the students! See the house where George Washington stayed during his visit to Boston during the American Revolution and Harvard's part in the war. The tour will show you the academic, residential, and hidden parts of one of the world's most prestigious universities!
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Your tour guide will meet you in front of the Ripple Cafe on Main Street in Cambridge. The cafe is next to the Kendall Station subway stop on the Red Line. Your guide will be wearing a Boston Hidden Gems t-shirt and name tag.
Tour will end in Harvard Square, next to the Red Line subway stop with the same name.
Itinerary
-
1
See the MIT Media Lab, home to some of the most innovative cross-discipline creations stemming from MIT.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
See the Green Building, designed by I.M.Pei. Learn about the famous "Tetris" student prank.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
See the iconic MIT Dome and learn about the police car placed on top of the dome to protest parking tickets.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
See the Smoot markers on the Harvard Bridge, connecting Cambridge and Boston. Take a picture of the Boston skyline.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
Learn about the hilarious story behind the Banana Lounge.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
See the quirky State Center, both an architectural marvel and a design nightmare.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
Take the Red Line subway two stops to the Harvard University Area. Cost of the subway ride is included in the tour. Your tour guide will direct you on using the subway.
20 minutes • Admission ticket included -
8
Enter Harvard Yard through the main entrance - Johnson Gate.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
9John Harvard Statue
Learn why the famous Harvard Yard statue is called the "Statue of the Three Lies".
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
10
Learn about the various dormitories located around the historical Harvard Yard and who lived there while at Harvard.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
11
See Memorial Hall, a multifunctional building inside an old church.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
12
See the Memorial Church, standing in the middle of Harvard Yard.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
13
See the main library of Harvard University and hear the tragic story behind it.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
14
See one of the oldest buildings in Harvard Yard, where George Washington stayed during the American Revolution.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
15
See a few of the Upper Classmen housing of Harvard University and learn about the tradition of "Housing Day".
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
16Harvard Square
End the tour at the bustling Harvard Square. Your tour guide can suggest places for souvenir shopping and/or lunch.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Weekend vs Weekday Tours - the tour goes inside some MIT buildings on weekdays only! The MIT campus buildings are closed on weekends and major holidays. On the days that we do not go inside MIT, the tour price is $5 less. Harvard does not allow any public tours inside any buildings.
- Parking is very difficult to find near the tour starting point. We strongly advise against driving and recommend taking public transit or taxi/Uber. The closest garage next to the tour start point is the Green Garage at Kendall and costs $38 for 3+ hours. Very limited metered street parking is available around the starting area of the tour, we advise arriving at least 30 minutes ahead of the tour start time to look for metered parking.
- Public transport is the easiest way to get to the tour start point. Take the MBTA (subway) to the Kendall/MIT station on the Red Line, the tour start point is next to the main entrance to the subway station.
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Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Weekend vs Weekday Tours - the tour goes inside some MIT buildings on weekdays only! The MIT campus buildings are closed on weekends and major holidays. On the days that we do not go inside MIT, the tour price is $5 less. Harvard does not allow any public tours inside any buildings.
- Parking is very difficult to find near the tour starting point. We strongly advise against driving and recommend taking public transit or taxi/Uber. The closest garage next to the tour start point is the Green Garage at Kendall and costs $38 for 3+ hours. Very limited metered street parking is available around the starting area of the tour, we advise arriving at least 30 minutes ahead of the tour start time to look for metered parking.
- Public transport is the easiest way to get to the tour start point. Take the MBTA (subway) to the Kendall/MIT station on the Red Line, the tour start point is next to the main entrance to the subway station.
- Tour starts exactly on time. If you are running late, you can catch up with the tour group by following the tour stops listed on the itinerary. First tour stop is MIT Media Lab, second stop is the Green Building, and so on. Your tour guide will not be able to answer any phone calls to direct you after the tour starts.
- This tour focuses on history, architecture, and stories about the two universities. If you are looking for a tour for perspective future students, please contact the admissions department of the university.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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